USA BASKETBALL: Determined To Reclaim Gold In '08
“Our only goal in Beijing is to win the gold medal.”
Lebron James summed it up nicely, as the USA Senior National Team began preparation for the Olympics this past weekend. The nation that invented basketball wants its gold medal back, and they intend to get it done the old fashion way.
“Defense and rebounding win championships, whether it’s the Olympics or the NBA.” Kobe Bryant told reporters.
It may sound cliché, but the rest of the world better take notice. Critics are quick to point out that Director Jerry Colangelo and Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski, may have set this team up for failure by only bringing along three big men: Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, and Dwight Howard. However, this is the exact blueprint the coaching staff plans to use for success come August.
Bringing less big men, allows Coach K to slide Carmelo Anthony to the power forward position, adding athleticism while not compromising rebounding. This plays into USA Basketball’s greatest advantage, athleticism on the wing. Kobe feels they can use this athleticism to pressure other teams into turnovers, and he has already accepted the role on the team as the “defensive stopper.”
Lebron reiterates this fact, when speaking of his friend and the team’s FIBA Americas Zone qualifier leading scorer, at a shade over 21 points a game.
This group knows even at full strength it won’t be easy. They remember the disappointment that was 2004 and the bad taste that lingered the past four years waiting for redemption. The world is no longer intimidated of the Americans in basketball, partly due to the success and popularity of the original Dream Team. Jordan, Magic, and Bird led a global basketball renaissance, which created an influx of talent from Argentina to Cameroon to China and all the stops in between. Interest in the game skyrocketed globally, placing the bull’s-eye squarely on 12 American chests. One of the veterans on the team, Jason Kidd, understands and appreciates the change in competition.
“I think one of the biggest things we learned is that it isn't going to be easy. The closer you get to the medal rounds, the tougher it is going to get. You are going to see more elite players, guys you see in the NBA. Those guys have pride and want to represent their countries well, too.”
Even with understanding the challenge, the ’08 team also realizes they can learn from previous mistakes and they are a more seasoned bunch. Lebron, Melo, Howard, Bosh, and Dwayne Wade aren’t the young pups they were in 2004. Also joining this year’s team is Chris Paul and Deron Williams the best two, young point guards in the NBA. Add their commitment to playing the right way, with their commitment to defense and rebounding, and this team becomes dangerous if not intimidating.
All 12 guys know what this team is capable of accomplishing, and in case they forgot Lebron reminds everyone one more time.
“Our #1 and only goal going to Beijing is to win a gold medal.”
This is the single-mindedness of purpose the American Senior National Team takes with them every single day as they prepare and train for the Olympics. Anything less than gold will be considered a disappointment.